Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5738) to amend title 38, United States Code, to require a lactation space in each medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 5738
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act''. SEC. 2. LACTATION SPACES IN MEDICAL CENTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 1720K. Lactation spaces in medical centers of the
Department
``(a) Lactation Space Required.--The Secretary shall ensure that each medical center of the Department contains a lactation space.
``(b) No Unauthorized Entry.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize an individual to enter a medical center of the Department or portion thereof that the individual is not otherwise authorized to enter.
``(c) Lactation Space Defined.--In this section, the term `lactation space' means a hygienic place, other than a bathroom, that--
``(1) is shielded from view;
``(2) is free from intrusion;
``(3) is accessible to disabled individuals (including such individuals who use wheelchairs);
``(4) contains a chair and a working surface;
``(5) is easy to locate;
``(6) is clearly identified with signage; and
``(7) is available for use by women veterans and members of the public to express breast milk.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item related to section 1720J the following new item: ``1720K. Lactation spaces in medical centers of the Department.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out section 1720K of title 38, United States Code, as added by this section, not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. TAKANO. 5738, as amended.
I rise in strong support for H.R. 5738, as amended, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act introduced by Chairwoman Luria. The purpose of this bill is to ensure that each Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center contain a hygienic lactation space that is not a bathroom.
This legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide essential spaces to serve nursing individuals and veteran mothers which are shielded from view, contain a chair and work surface, are free from intrusion, and are accessible to disabled individuals. These spaces should also be easy to locate with clear, identifiable signs, and readily available for veteran moms.
This bill is endorsed by numerous veterans service organizations including the National Veterans Legal Services Program, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Women veterans make up the fastest-growing community within the veteran population. In order to adequately meet their needs, VA needs to provide culturally competent care and resources to ensure they will feel comfortable when they seek care at a VA facility.
This legislation, which ensures safe, dedicated spaces for lactation, further advances VA's mission to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment at its facilities.
Women veterans face many challenges accessing essential VA care benefits. The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act ensures VA eliminates barriers that may discourage veteran moms from utilizing those benefits.
A vote in support of this bill is a vote for women veterans and shows our dedication to ensuring VA delivers equitable and safe spaces for veteran moms.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. TAKANO. 5738, and the chair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in passing this very important legislation, H.R. 5738, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source